EPA v. Medline Industries Crane Desktop SCS-12056423 (COVID-19)

Case summary

The Crane Desk Top Air Purifier(Model: EE-5073) pesticide device label contained the following claims, UVC germicidal light and GERMICIDAL UV LIGHT. The user manual says that The ultraviolet bulb helps reduce germs from growing in the HEPA filter. These claims are overly broad and not supported by efficacy data. Both the label and the user manual contain a link to the product brand website, www.crane-usa.com. The product brand website contained the following claims, UV Germicidal Light deactivates DNA ofviruses, bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens, Equipped with a UV lamp, Crane?s tower air purifier removes bacteria and germs from the air... Airborne particles such as fungi, mold spores... and other allergens can all cause watery eyes, skin irritation, congestion, stuffy noses, and bouts of coughing. Cranes tower air purifier will efficiently clean your indoor air by removing these pollutants from your home..., and The replacement TRUE-HEPA... filter removes 99.97% of airborne particles and germs as small as 0.3 microns, such as mold... dust mites, and other possible allergens, which is overly broad and not supported by efficacy data. The statements are considered false and misleading pursuant to 40 C.F.R. 156.10(a)(5) and the devices described above is misbranded as defined in FIFRA Section 2(q)(1)(A), 7 U.S.C. Section 136q(1)(A). All pesticide devices are required to be labeled in accordance with 40 C.F.R. Part 156, and any devices entering the United States cannot be misbranded (see Section 17(c)of FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. Section 136o(c)). The distribution of a misbranded pesticide device is an unlawful act under FIFRA Section 12(a)(1)(F), 7 U.S.C. Section 136j(a)(1)(F).

Defendants (1)

• Medline IndustriesNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, INC.

  3 LAKES DRIVE, NORTHFIELD, IL, 60093

  Registry ID: 110070035126

Statutes cited

• FIFRA 12A1F — Device Misbranded

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Medline Industries Crane Desktop SCS-12056423 (COVID-19)entered 2022-05-04

  Primary law: FIFRA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2022-05-04Enforcement Action Closed
• 2022-05-04Final Order Issued
• 2022-10-12Enforcement Action Data Entered